This December

A brand-new musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure Treasure Island is coming to The Grove Theatre in Eastbourne this December – and local performers are being called on to bring its iconic characters to life.

Written and produced by theatre performer Rowan Stanfield, the production is a deeply personal project tied directly to Eastbourne's stage history.

“I was first introduced to Treasure Island via a stage production at the Tivoli Theatre here in Eastbourne in the 1980s,” Rowan says. “My father appeared in the show, playing both Blind Pew and Benjamin Gunn.

“As Pew, he was chilling; the tap-tapping of his stick ran shivers down my spine. He also designed and built the set, which cunningly transformed from the Inn to the Hispaniola. And my brother Devin, who had just returned from filming the BBC series The Box of Delights, played Jim Hawkins.”

Rowan’s late parents, Jo Sands and Geoff Stanfield, were familiar stalwarts of Eastbourne’s arts scene for decades, contributing on stage and behind the scenes across the town’s venues.

A holiday spent on a wooden boat in Spain years ago cemented Rowan’s enduring affection for the original story when she read the novel aloud against the backdrop of creaking timber and lapping water.

It wasn't until last year, however, that the idea for a new stage adaptation began to take shape. “When I sat down to re-read it with a musical version in mind, I found myself re-discovering these characters as if reuniting with old friends,” Rowan explains.

“Far from a traditional pantomime, this version honours the grit, high-stakes drama and familiar charm of the original 1883 novel. The musical arrangement seamlessly blends traditional sea shanties with music drawn from the Victorian light opera repertoire, contemporary to the book's origins, while thoughtfully adapting classic roles to create a gender-balanced cast for modern audiences.”

The production brings together a local creative team, with director Trish Richings (Calendar Girls, The Actress) joined by musical director Tony Biggin and choreographer Tiffany Lynn.

Between them, they are now seeking local actor/singers for a range of key roles, centred around the dynamic between the infamous Long John Silver and young Jim Hawkins.

“We’re looking for performers with the necessary gravitas to bring these two iconic roles to life,” says Rowan. “There are also many other fun, challenging parts, from the flamboyant Squire Trelawney and eccentric Benjamin Gunn to Captain Smollett, Dr Livesey, and a full crew of pirates.”

Featured roles available include:

Long John Silver (bass): The charming yet formidable anti-hero.

Jim Hawkins (tenor/mezzo, playing age 11-14, any gender): The courageous young lead at the centre of the quest.

Squire Trelawney (baritone): The enthusiastic, naive local squire.

Dr Livesey (soprano): The sharp, moral doctor.

Captain Smollett (alto): The disciplined captain of the Hispaniola.

Benjamin Gunn (baritone): The wild maroon stranded on the island.

Key dates are:

Familiarisation/audition workshop: Wednesday, September 2.

Auditions: Monday, September 7.

Rehearsals: Mondays & Wednesdays (starting September).

Show dates: December 11-13 at The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne.

Performers can find full details and register for an audition pack online at https://www.eastbournegands.com/treasure-island-musical-eastbourne

Pictured: the creative team: (from left to right) choreographer Tiffany Lynn, musical director Tony Biggin, director Trish Richings and writer/producer Rowan Stanfield.